A cat found ‘decapitated’ in Shepperton is believed to be linked to a string of attacks by the so-called ‘M25 cat killer’ with a warning being issued to keep pets indoors at night.

The discovery of the animal’s body was made on the morning of Thursday (May 5) and is thought to be connected to other cat killings in the south east region, including in Croydon.

Animal rescue group South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), which was called out following the incident, confirmed they had collected the cat’s body, which was found in a neighbour’s garden. A spokesman said that due to the family having young children, no other details would be released about the incident.

A number of cats have been found dead with similar horrific injuries in recent months, and they are thought to have been killed deliberately.

SNARL believe there have been as many as 100 deliberate deaths over the last two years across London and the South East.

A post on their Facebook page , read: “We confirm that a cat has been found decapitated in Shepperton.

“Due to the family having young children who are exceptionally upset at the loss of their pet, no further details will be released. We have collected the poor babe’s body and we do believe this to be linked to the other murders being investigated.”

People reacted with disgust at the news, calling the incident cruel and barbaric on social media.

Blue tabby Persian Bertie was found decapitated on the driveway of his family home in Hawley in April

String of incidents

Tony Jenkins who runs SNARL with his partner said: “We are advising people to try to keep their cats inside, especially at night.

“Most of the attacks seem to happen then. If you find a body then phone the local police and phone us. We can coordinate with the police and the RSPCA to collect the body. We are also telling people to be vigilant.”

The group advised people to alert the police if they saw anything suspicious.

Animal rights organisation PETA has offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the killing and dismembering of the cats , following the string of incidents.

The petition adds: “The number of high-profile cases of animals being deliberately killed, seemingly just for ‘fun’, highlights the way the current legislation is simply not acting as a deterrent to the sort of people likely to carry out these acts.”

David Harding with a broken window pane that was made when his cat was shot at in Barnfield, Cranleigh (Image: Steve Porter)

Immediate treatment

Last month, a cat owner from Woking called for vigilance after their pet was shot by an air gun.

The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I came back home and saw my cat was bleeding from her sides and stomach. I thought it might be a bite.”

A decision was made to rush the cat to an out of hours vet for immediate treatment, where it had its spleen removed.